EU leaders called for urgent action to tackle soaring energy prices, reduce regulatory burdens and strengthen competitiveness, according to European Council summit conclusions released early Friday.
– The council said the current energy situation required a “coordinated European response” involving targeted and temporary measures while taking into account individual member states’ circumstances.
– Leaders welcomed plans to extend temporary state aid for the most exposed industrial sectors, improve EU refinery efficiency and introduce voluntary measures to bundle energy demand.
– They also urged the European Commission to examine additional short-term measures to address soaring energy prices.
– On competitiveness, the council called for decisive progress in removing remaining single market barriers, simplifying regulations and reducing administrative burdens, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises.
– Leaders urged progress in negotiations on key legislative proposals, including the Industrial Accelerator Act and the European grids package, with the aim of concluding talks by the end of 2026.
– The council also stressed the need for a “well-functioning, transparent and predictable carbon market” while preserving emissions trading as a central instrument of the energy transition.
– Regarding the EU’s next long-term budget, leaders called for an agreement before the end of 2026 to ensure funding reaches beneficiaries without interruption in January 2028.
– On enlargement, the council described expansion as a “geostrategic investment in peace, security, stability and prosperity,” reaffirming that accession remains merit-based.
– It also welcomed ongoing work on Montenegro’s accession treaty, with further progress dependent on reforms.